Poznan's Old Market Square is the third biggest in Poland, losing only to the squares in Krakow and Wrocław. Established in 1253 on the left bank of the Warta River, the structures built both in and around the square were originally made of wood. These were later replaced by brick building including the Municipal Scales, the Gothic town hall and in the 14th century the cloth hall. Followed by smaller houses, called merchants' houses in the 16th century.

During the liberation of Poznań in 1945, more than half of the buildings in the square were destroyed, including 80 buildings that caught fire. Reconstruction began in the very same year with meticulously conservation plans, aimed to restore the square to its former splendor.

Every June the square is home to a lively street fair (Jarmark Świętojański), and throughout the summer it features many cultural events including some performances of Malta Theatre Festival. In the summer months many bars set up beer gardens in the square, where you can drink as much coffee or beer as you want and make yourself familiar with Polish cuisine!